A three-alarm fire Thursday night destroyed much of a Texas Supreme Court justice's home in northwest Harris County. The same blaze gutted a neighbor's home.

The fire may not have done so much damage, said some neighbors, had the emergency response been quicker. Judge David Medina's neighbors in the 3500 block Highfalls said they tried to call 911 but claim no one picked up.

Before they saw flames, neighbors said they heard an explosion coming from the garage.

Even though the garage is detached, the fire spread quickly to the house. The judge was in Austin, but his wife and teenage son were home.

Investigators said Judge Medina's son saw the fire and ran to get his mother. Both got out safely.

But firefighters weren't able to keep the flames from spreading to the next door neighbor's home. The residents got out safely, so they watched as their home went up in flames. Another home was also damaged.

Four firefighters were treated for minor smoke inhalation.